Save it under “chastisement”. For the second time this week England destroyed South Africa in a one-day international that was even more one-sided than the scorecard suggests. The exact figure of the victory in Bristol, by 114 runs, is immaterial. The gap between these teams is now wider than the Avon Gorge.
It was set up by Sophia Dunkley’s majestic 107 from 97 balls which took England to their seventh highest ODI score of 337 for five. Half a century before both openers – Tammy Beaumont (58) and Emma Lamb (67) – as well as a bullying 47-ball 63 from Nat Sciver punished South Africa’s wayward bowling.
Then, after Laura Wolvaardt reached 55 in a first-wicket score of 87, Charlie Dean and Issy Wong each took three wickets for 51 runs to reduce the Proteas to 138 for six. Marizanne Kapp’s 73 only added a shine to the mess of the chase on her part, which ended in a disappointing 223 all-out.
Monday’s five-wicket win was claimed with similar comfort. At Northampton, Lamb’s 102 was the standout display as Heather Knight’s attacks made their 218 run target light within 33 overs. This time, the captain was eager to stretch the innings over his full quota and chose to bat first after winning the toss.
Lamb and Beaumont found their groove, but were helped by a disjointed bowling show that didn’t align with both the lines and the lengths. Returning Shabnim Ismail, who played her first game this tour after a spate of injuries, made little difference. Her extra speed simply carried the ball to the fence at increased speed.
England reached 127 for no loss before Lamb spooned a full toss to short, fine leg and Beaumont failed to clear mid-attack. That double strike in the space of six overs meant Dunkley and Sciver had to consolidate. Once they found their feet, they went crazy in a 142-run fourth wicket partnership of 102 balls.